When Defeat Turns Into Victory

Want to shake up your daily Bible reading? In this post, we’ve included an excerpt from the
Story of God Bible Commentary on Philippians 1:12-18. We love this series because of its
commitment to revealing the narrative of Scripture. Then, it always shows how it applies to
our lives.
We couldn’t include all the commentary on this passage, sadly. There was just too much! So if
you get to the end of this post and want more, there will be a link for you.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Philippians 1:12-18a
ow I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served
to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and
to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers
and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel
without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter
do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach
Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me
while I am in chains. 1But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way,
whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”
A Quick Summary
Paul here informs the Philippians about his current situation in Rome, imprisoned but not
silenced. Indeed, some believers are, ironically, made more confident to share the gospel
because of Paul’s chains. Sadly, others are using Paul’s confinement to cast doubt on his
ministry. Nevertheless, Paul declares that as long as the good news of Christ’s redeeming love
is proclaimed, he rejoices.

Paul explains here one of the ironies of the Christian life: what looks like utter defeat turns out
to be victory — in God’s hands. Common sense would dictate that Paul’s influence is gone and
his prospects washed up, for he has been languishing four years in prison (two years in Caesarea
Maritima, two more in Rome). But “in Christ” (1:13 ) the impossible becomes possible and the
gospel message spreads even more widely than if spoken only by Paul.
EXPLAIN THE STORY
Victory in Christ, Against All Odds (1:12-14 )
In these three verses, Paul speaks of his imprisonment, but he does not describe his own mood
or physical condition. Instead, he notes the contrast between his personal, restricted
circumstances, about which the Philippians are well aware, and the public expansion of the
gospel, a phenomenon they are not anticipating. Paul also speaks of the gospel’s “progress” in
1:25 , where the term refers to the advance of the gospel in the Philippians’ own lives. Other
than 1 Timothy 4:15, these are the only two places where Paul uses this term. The cognate verb
describes a smith’s hammering of metal to lengthen it or the passing of time, as in the phrase
“the night is advancing.” The verb carries the idea of progress and advancement.
What sort of progress might Paul be intending here? Of course, the gospel message is complete
in itself; God’s salvation plan for the world through Christ has been foretold in the prophets
and enacted in history a few short decades before Paul wrote this letter. The progress is not
with the gospel itself, but with the telling of the gospel. From Paul’s statement that the whole
Praetorian guard (NIV “palace guard”) is now aware of the gospel, we can safely assume that
Paul has in mind the numerical increase of those who have heard the gospel.
But since he also speaks of many believers emboldened to speak, we can also understand this
progress to indicate that within the church itself, there is growth as many believers take steps
of faith, trusting God as they tell his story of redemption. Advancement of the gospel for Paul,
then, is both the increased number of people hearing that message and the increased number of
believers sharing it.
Content of the Gospel
It may be useful to pause and reflect here on the content of the gospel, which is spreading so
surprisingly. Paul does not define the content here in bullet points, but a careful read of his
letters suggests that a few central truths made up the message. First and foremost, the message
is about Jesus Christ. He is the son of David and the Son of God ( Rom 1:3-4 ). Christ died for
humanity’s redemption (Eph 1:7 ), and his death on the cross is shared by all believers ( Gal.
6:14 ).
Christ has been raised, according to Scripture (1 Cor 15:4 ), and he will return, having destroyed
every ruler, authority, and power, including death itself ( 1 Cor 15:24-28 ). God’s work in
Christ is available to everyone — forgiveness of sins and new, abundant life in the Spirit. The
believers’ future is secure, because the hope is founded in Christ’s resurrection, the firstfruits
that indicate a complete harvest in the future (1 Cor 15:20 ). Most all of these ideas will be
mentioned in the rest of Philippians.
Paul’s Chains amidst the Praetorian Guard ( 1:13 )
Paul informs the Philippians that his “chains” (a euphemism for imprisonment and also a literal
description of his living conditions) are well-known among a group least likely to have any
interest in the gospel, namely, the Praetorian guard. This elite force guarded the emperor; we
might think of them as Secret Service and Navy Seals rolled into one. That such men would
know a story about a crucified Jewish “Messiah” would seem an unlikely bit of conversation,
but Paul states that “the whole palace guard” knows of his situation.
What precisely is that situation? Most likely the Roman guards have come to appreciate that
Paul’s present situation is on account of his testimony. This conclusion need not imply that
Paul was arrested because he was a Christ follower, but only that his current circumstances are
comprehensible when seen as part of God’s redemptive plan in Christ for the world.
Most likely the Roman guards have come to appreciate that Paul’s present situation is on
account of his testimony. This conclusion need not imply that Paul was arrested because he
was a Christ follower, but only that his current circumstances are comprehensible when seen
as part of God’s redemptive plan in Christ for the world.
Imagine a Roman soldier’s discussion with Paul and his subsequent astonishment when he
hears Paul declare that his physical chains are not indicative of Caesar’s hold on his life.
Instead, those chains establish Christ’s victory in spreading the gospel to all. Likely some
guards shook their heads in disbelief, confident in the superior power of Caesar. Others laughed
at Paul’s “fairy tale.” But perhaps a few went away pondering, seeing something in Paul that
they had not seen in a prisoner before. Paul would identify that “something” as Christ.
Paul’s Chains Encourage Proclamation (1:14 )
Paul’s chains have also served to greatly encourage Roman believers to preach the gospel.
These believers see Paul’s witness, and in that testimony they see the power of Christ. That
power has raised their confidence to speak the word. Paul rightly notes that these Roman
believers are not speaking because of Paul himself, but because their trust and confidence are
firmly “in the Lord.” Nothing makes Paul more pleased than that the gospel is being shared.
He reminds his readers that all believers are equipped to talk about Christ’s work, the gospel.
One does not need a seminary degree to speak about the death and resurrection of Christ, that
work of grace accomplished by Christ and given to all who believe in his name. To some,
Paul’s words are a comfort, for they worry that they will not explain the gospel well or will not
have enough knowledge to answer questions.
Take heart — Paul notes that trust in the Lord will allow anyone to speak the word. They are
fearless, for they trust that the same power that animates Paul will watch over them. To others,
however, Paul’s words represent an unwelcome conviction that they are responsible to speak.
It is not their pastor’s job, or their Sunday school teacher’s job, or some other paid
professional’s job to speak the word. It is a responsibility shared by all.
These believers are bold and “without fear.” Paul implies that any “sane” person would be
frightened to speak. I am not bold when I speak about Christ to a group gathered in a public
park, or from a pulpit here in the United States; I enjoy freedom of speech protection. But these
Roman believers are speaking the word under a dark cloud of suspicion that perhaps their
conduct will run afoul of Nero, and they will end up as Paul, or worse. Paul likely praises the
Roman believers to the Philippians not only because they should be honored for their courage,
but because the Philippians can follow their example as they face struggles in Philippi (as Paul
enjoins them in 1:27-30 ).
LIVE THE STORY
Paul begins by stating that he wants the Philippians to know his situation. Surprisingly, he does
not give much information about what has happened to him; instead, he minimizes his personal
circumstances as he redirects attention to what really interests him, namely, the gospel’s
progress. Several lessons can be drawn from this posture. First, Paul is modeling the attitude
he’d like to see in the Philippians, which is the posture of smallness. Second, Paul sees
everything in relation to the work of the kingdom. Third, while Paul is not unwilling to tell of
his dire circumstances (cf. 2 Cor. 1:8-11 ), his restraint here demonstrates his underlying
emphasis on his present joy.
A Posture of “Smallness”
Imagine with me Paul writing this letter; would we paint him in the center of the canvas? Would
we have the candlelight shining on his face, casting deep shadows into the corners of the tiny
room? Or would the Roman guard stand aggressively over him in an intimidating fashion?
None of these details that would interest a modern reader (or painter) seem of any consequence
to Paul. If he painted the picture, perhaps we’d see the Roman soldier in the spotlight, eagerly
leaning toward Paul trying to catch his every word. Maybe the fourth wall of the room opens
onto a teeming marketplace, showing clusters of people listening attentively to a speaker in
their midst.
Now what if I put myself in that picture?
When I lived in Kenya with my husband and two grade-school-aged children, I’d send news
of our situation home to our supporters. I confess that these letters were usually filled with the
struggles we faced, from natural calamities such as grasshopper infestations or mudslides, to
physical concerns and illnesses, to business struggles as we managed a ministry. What I did
not do, to my shame, is explain how those seeming limitations actually served to establish the
“in Christ-ness” of our ministry. Instead, I was too much at the center of my circumstances.
By this I mean that while I prayed to God to bring all things to his good conclusion, I did not
narrate my daily experiences in that reality. When I prayed, I thought like that, but when I
talked with others, especially those back home, my story line was about me, not about God’s
work going on around me. Paul here shows a way forward from this self-absorption. He
“resizes” the characters of the story, making himself small and Christ’s gospel big and tall,
worthy of full attention.
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What Do We Mean: Victory in Christ Jesus?
By David A. DePra
Victory in Christ Jesus means that potentially, and then in experience, we have victory over
everything Jesus has victory over. But what does that mean? When the Bible says we have,
"the victory," what does it really mean?
Well, one thing is for sure, to have victory in Christ does not mean we are problem free. In fact,
if you think about it, if you didn’t have problems, there would be nothing over which to have
victory! No. Victory in Christ is, in fact, something that is independent of whether we have
problems. Victory in Christ is possible despite the problems.
But what IS victory? Just this: That I am free to walk in everything Jesus has won for me, in
my relationship with God. In the end, it comes down to that. If I am walking in VICTORY, I
am walking in a relationship with God that is unhindered by anything that would disrupt or cast
a shadow over it. Fear, unbelief, and sin, while still possibilities, have been overcome. They no
longer come between myself and God. They have been defeated.
Isn’t this what Jesus came to win? Sure. Jesus came to redeem us back to God. But not just to
save us in the sense of making heaven our destiny. No. Jesus came to save us back into the
relationship with God that He originally intended us to have, and designed us for. But
fellowship with God requires a great change IN US. The, "overcoming," which eventually
results in victory is nothing more than this very change being worked out. I overcome those
things that belong to the old creation, and the redemption of Christ begins to transform me back
to where I cannot live, walk, and fellowship with God. Each degree of this change is a stage of
victory.
Relationship
When we are saved, we are born again all at once. Salvation is not progressive. You are either
born anew or not born anew. But if you are, the old HAS passed away, and all things are brand
new. But for this age this is talking about our spiritual man – not yet our physical man. It should
not be a debate as to whether your body is brand new. It isn’t. You are aging. And it should not
be a debate as to whether your mind is brand new it isn’t. That is why it needs to be continually
renewed. And it should not be a debate as to whether your emotions are brand new. Surely we
know they are not. No. You are a brand new creature by virtue of the fact that Christ has come
and made Himself one with you by the Holy Spirit in you. You are ONE with Him, and that
spells eternal life – newness of life. THAT is the seat of the, "new man in Christ."
So we see that God actually saves us, "from the inside out." We are one spirit with the Lord.
But there are so many dimensions of our being that while not being made brand new for this
age, do need to be brought under the governing power of the new man through the Holy Spirit.
What we have mentioned – emotions, body, and mind – are a few.

This is where the overcoming and victory apply. So often, our mind – our understanding or
lack thereof – rises up and exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We cannot or do not
understand what God is doing, and it is possible to allow this to come between ourselves and
God, so that we are not free in our relationship with Him. Or perhaps our emotions rise up and
won’t work in a way that is harmonious with the Holy Spirit. Rarely will they. If we don’t
realize what is going on, our emotions may end up coming between us and our walk in the
Truth. All of these things need to be overcome so that they no longer disrupt our relationship
with God. And when they are overcome, we have VICTORY.
Now, of course, all of this must come back to FAITH. We overcome unbelief – BY
BELIEVING! We overcome everything in us that seems to contradict the Truth by believing
the Truth, instead of believing everything in us. This is a lesson that is easy to accept on paper,
but it is quite a struggle when it comes to actually living.
For example, are you able to stand by faith, even when everything in life is falling apart? Or
do you look at what is happening in life, and conclude from it that God must be punishing you,
or that you must be out of God’s will? Does this result in fear and confusion? If so, then you
are being faced by an enemy you must overcome by faith. You will not overcome it any other
way. And if you do get to the place where you stand by faith DESPITE the unchanging, and
maybe even disastrous circumstances, then you have the VICTORY!
Again – victory has to do with our relationship with God. We believe Him no matter what
seems to contradict Him, and refuse to allow anything to come between ourselves and Him.
Do we recognize that because of Jesus Christ, there is nothing that can separate us from the
love of God? That there is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus? That there is never a
time when we are cut off from God? The Blood of Christ is our assurance of these Truths. The
question is whether we believe.
At some point in our lives, we are going to have to make a choice. We are going to have to
decide whether we really believe. And I will promise you that if you want to go on into a deeper
relationship with God, that HE HIMSELF will bring you to that point by testing the very fabric
of your faith. God will bring you to where you may have to question everything. But this is
good, because once you question everything, you will find the answers, not in a doctrine, but
in the Person. And you will emerge stronger than ever.
There are going to be times in our lives when EVERYTHING seems to prove to us that God is
not with us. Not only will circumstances suggest this to us, but WE will suggest this to us! Do
you know what I mean by that? You will face times where there is NOTHING in you that is
able to understand. You will have no frame of reference for what is happening to you, and you
will not be able, no matter how hard you try, to reconcile it to God’s faithfulness. To make
matters worse, your emotions will rebel. You may be mad, afraid, and feel betrayed by God.
No matter how many times you drag your trial into the court of common sense and human
understanding, you will come up with the same verdict: God has forsaken you. Otherwise, you
reason, this could not have happened!
Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, you will pray and pray and pray, asking God to reveal the
answer to you. You will tell Him that is all you want – the Truth. And God won’t answer. He
will be silent. This will simply verify to you that you are lost. Maybe the whole thing is a lie.
Maybe you are deceived.
Well, the good news is that everything I have just described is in the Bible as a possibility for
a Christian. We read it with David in the Psalms, with Job, and we find bits and pieces of it in
the Bible. There are going to be times for each of us, an hour of crisis, when nothing in us is
working right, and when everything seems to be proving our faith wrong. But it is precisely
during those times that our faith is right. Faith is right to the complete disregard of our
circumstances, feelings, and understanding. It is right when we cannot see how it is right, and
do see how it is wrong. Faith in God is always right, because God is always right.
Unbelief is an incredible thing. Unbelief can be the result of a hardness, in which case it is our
fault. But we are born in unbelief. Much of it is simply the result of us not being able to function
in accordance with eternal things.
It is a humbling thing to come to the place where we finally admit that our inability to see, and
our inability to understand, is OUR FAULT – at least in the sense that the inbred problem is in
us. Are we willing to consider that our certainty that God has let us down could be totally false
– based on an unbelief in US? Are we willing to consider that no matter how sure we are that
God has forsaken us, that He has in fact always been there – and that all of our proofs and
reasonings have been wrong? If we are willing to consider, we are on the path to victory.
I remember one time when I was in a great trial and I was lamenting before the Lord about it,
really, I was griping. I said, "I really believed You, God. I really believed You are faithful, and
true, and could never fail. But now, it seems I was wrong. Nothing has happened as I expected.
In fact, I’ve lost everything." What came back to me, which I believe was God’s voice speaking
to my heart, was this, "What if everything you believed about Me is the Truth? And the problem
is simply that you are looking at your circumstances and letting THEM rule your faith?"
It was one of those moments that sets a person free – because it was the Truth. I began to see
the problem. My circumstances were REAL – but my interpretation of them as to God was
WRONG. My interpretation was wrong, even though I could not see how it could be wrong,
because, it was the only one I had. So were my expectations for life wrong. I thought God had
promised me certain things in life, but God was really working towards the greatest thing of
all, to reveal His Son in me. I had finally began to see that I was responsible for creating the
unbelief I was in, because rather than trust God, I was trusting in my understanding.
What is the solution? How does a person OVERCOME all of this and enter into VICTORY?
You begin by stepping outside of your understanding, and putting it aside, and by trusting God.
You do that no matter how contrary it seems to everything inside of you. You believe God even
though you don’t see the sanity in it, or feel good about it, or have a clue as to where it will
take you. You will feel like you are jumping off a cliff and expecting God to catch you, but
have no sense of where He is. You just believe because, on the basis of Christ’s victory for
you, He has promised.
If you know what I am talking about here, I am talking about a real death. We talk about
unconditional surrender to God, and picking up our Cross, and dying to self – well, this is
where all of that happens. You have to absolutely relinquish control of your life to God by
faith. You fall into His hands – with no conditions attached. You trust Him for a resurrection.
Sometimes people want to know how a person can come to know God, and to know the Truth.
It is right here, in these situations. I’ve said it before: You cannot have LIGHT without the
LIFE. Light without Life is dead doctrine, as factual as it might be. But in order to come into
REAL LIGHT AND TRUTH, you have to have a release and enlargement of Christ in you –
His LIFE. But this means you must first DIE TO YOURSELF, to your control over your life.
In short, if you want LIGHT, you must have LIFE, but to get LIFE, the first step is DEATH.
God can offer us no other way. But He will be constantly working towards this if we will open
ourselves to Him.
Overcoming
Victory is not a matter of you fixing or changing the circumstances. No. Victory is IN YOU. It
is YOU coming to the place in your relationship with God where you believe – completely
independent of your circumstances. Or believing completely independent of lots of spiritual
malfunction in you. That is the victory of faith.
Victory means freedom. It means that I am free to be to God what He intended me to be,
because I have seen what He is to me. Victory is the result of pushing through, by faith, all that
would keep me from walking in the Truth.

John wrote:
For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the
world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
"The world," in this passage, means all that is of the world IN US, and all that is of the world
that comes against us. FAITH is that victory. Faith is not based on whether we can overcome.
Faith is based on the faith that Jesus has already overcome every enemy that will come against
us. Our faith stands in the fact that despite contradiction, the victory is assured because of Jesus
Christ.
If I will believe, I will eventually see. Not sometimes, but every time. I will not only see the
salvation of the Lord working out in ME, and my circumstances, but I will actually come to
the place where nothing will be able to greatly move me from my faith. That is victory.
Truly my soul waits upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my
salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. (Psalm 62:1-2)
They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides for
ever. (Psalm 125:1)
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Three Types of Victory

Jose Henriquez was one of the thirty-three miners trapped 2,300 feet underground when a
section of the San Jose copper mine in Northern Chile collapsed. It was 5 August 2010. For
seventeen days all rescue attempts failed. There was no sign of life in the San Jose mine. The
trapped miners had enough food for three days and a little drinking water. They faced the
prospect of an agonising death through starvation.
I interviewed Jose Henriquez and his wife Bianca at HTB. He told how they had prayed to God
for a miracle. He described the moment, on 22 August, when a drill broke through into the
tunnel where the men were trapped. They hammered the drill with iron rods. They sprayed
paint on it. They hugged it. They sent up many messages on it. Only one stayed on the drill as
it went back up to the surface. The message read, ‘We’re fine. The 33 in the shelter.’
In total, the men survived a record sixty-nine days underground before they were brought to
the surface. More than a billion people around the world watched the rescue live on television.
There were extraordinary scenes as these men, their families, the people of Chile and the whole
world celebrated a wonderful victory.
The life of faith is full of challenges, difficulties and trials. But there are also times of victory.

In the passages for today we see three different types of victory.

1. Victory over your enemies
Psalm 18:16-24
David faced many battles in life. He was surrounded by enemies. They were ‘too strong’ for
him (v.17b). However, they are not too strong for God. God rescued him from those that were
too strong for him and brought him into a ‘spacious place’ (v.19). ‘I stood there saved –
surprised to be loved!’ (v.19b, MSG).
If you are in a ‘spacious place’ at the moment, remember to thank God for it. If not, cry out to
God to rescue you. And if any of your family or friends are struggling at the moment, pray that
God will bring them too into a ‘spacious place’.
Lord, thank you for the times when you have drawn me out of deep waters and brought me out
into a spacious place. Today I pray for… Bring them into a spacious place.

2. Victory over your critics

Matthew 22:15-46
Jesus’ opponents interrogate Jesus with three questions: a trap question, a trick question and a
test question (vv.17,23,35). Each time, he is victorious and gives an answer that not only
amazes (v.22) and astonishes (v.33), but also influences the whole of human history. What can
we learn from Jesus’ answers?
Don’t divide your life into sacred and secular
The Pharisees planned to trap Jesus with his words. They said to Jesus, ‘Tell us then, what is
your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ (v.17). The taxes they referred to were
extremely unpopular. If Jesus had said ‘Yes’, he would have been discredited in the eyes of the
people. Everyone would have hated him and seen him as a traitor wanting to help the Romans.
Yet if he had said, ‘No’, he would have been guilty of sedition and been liable to arrest and
execution.
Jesus, in his unique wisdom, did not lay down rules and regulations but expounded principles
that are timeless. He gives an amazing answer: ‘ Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God
what is God’s ’ (v.21).
Every follower of Jesus has a double citizenship. You have a responsibility to play your part
as a good citizen involved in the structures of your society on earth.
You are also a citizen of heaven with a responsibility to God. In principle, the two – Caesar
and God – need not be in conflict. You are called to be a good citizen of both. Get involved in
the life of your society, don’t withdraw from it.
It is not that God is in charge of the ‘sacred’ area of your life and the government is in charge
of the ‘secular’ area of your life. Rather, your whole life is under God’s authority. Part of your
commitment to God is to honour and obey the demands that the government legitimately makes
on you. In the same way that a coin would have born Caesar’s image, you bear God’s image
(Genesis 1:26). God wants you to give him the whole of your life.
Know that there is life after death
Next, the Sadducees come along with a trick question about a man with seven wives. Because
the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection they designed a complicated trick question to
show how absurd it was (Matthew 22:23–28).
Jesus replies, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God ’
(v.29). Jesus uses the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible – which are the only ones
the Sadducees trusted) to show that God is ‘not the God of the dead but of the living’ (v.32b).
He does this by quoting God’s words to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:6: ‘I am the
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’ (Matthew 22:32a). When Moses heard those words,
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had been dead for hundreds of years. God did not say ‘I was their
God’ but ‘I
am their God.’ They are still alive.
Jesus is showing that this life is not all there is. Furthermore, there will be continuity between
this life and the life to come. There is a physical resurrection. Yet, there is discontinuity too for
we ‘will be like the angels in heaven’ (v.30). Above all, the Scriptures show that there will be
a resurrection and if God is all-powerful, why shouldn’t there be?
Prioritise love for God and others
Then, the Pharisees come up with a test question to which Jesus gives a brilliant answer, which
goes to the heart of the whole of the Old Testament: love God (‘with all your passion and prayer
and intelligence’, v.37, MSG) and love people (‘love others as well as you love yourself’, v.39,
MSG). Everything else is a detailed working out of these two commands (vv.34–40).
Having silenced his critics, Jesus then asks them a question. It is a question about his identity.
He shows from the Scriptures that the Christ is not just David’s son – he is David’s Lord
(vv.41–46). He demonstrates that the Messiah is far more than simply a great human king. This
not only challenges their assumptions about the Messiah, it is also a veiled indication to them
of Jesus’ identity.
This is a moment of victory for Jesus: ‘That stumped them, literalists that they were. Unwilling
to risk losing face again in one of these public verbal exchanges, they quit asking questions for
good’ (v.46, MSG).
Father, please give me wisdom like Jesus to avoid the traps, to deal with the trick questions and
to answer the testing ones.

3. Victory over temptation

Job 30:1-32:22
The book of Job demonstrates once and for all that sin and suffering are not necessarily directly
connected to an individual’s sin or lack of sin. The whole point of the book of Job is that,
although Job is not perfect (13:26; 14:17), it was
not Job’s sin that caused his suffering. Job was ‘blameless and upright; he feared God and
shunned evil’ (1:1).
Job knew that in spite of the accusations of his friends he had a totally clear conscience. It is
as if he had been put on trial, facing his ‘accuser’ in the dock with an ‘indictment’ (31:35)
against him. In today’s passage he gives his defence (v.35).
Job’s life was an example, an inspiration and a challenge. This is a wonderful picture of holy
and righteous living.
Keep yourself pure
He said, ‘I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl’ (v.1). He was not
enticed (v.9) in his heart into adultery. He realised that ‘adultery is a fire that burns the house
down’ (v.12, MSG).
Avoid materialism
He did not put his trust in riches (v.24) in spite of the great wealth he had. Nor did he put his
hope in pure gold by saying, ‘You are my security’ (v.24). Again, his heart had not been
‘secretly enticed’ (v.27).
Love your enemy
He had resisted the temptation to hate his enemies. He didn’t gloat when his enemies were in
trouble (v.29b) – which is such a powerful temptation. There is a great temptation to speak
words of anger, but Job did not allow his ‘mouth to sin by invoking a curse’ (v.30) against his
enemies.
Be generous
It was not just in his personal life that he avoided sin. He was fair to his employees (v.13). He
did not deny ‘the desires of the poor’ (v.16a). His ‘door was always open to the traveller’ (v.32).
Lord, help me to live with a clear conscience, to keep myself pure and to put my trust in you
alone. Thank you that through the cross of Jesus, you make forgiveness for my past failures
possible, and through the power of the Holy Spirit I can be victorious over temptation.
Pippa Adds
I am very impressed with Job’s confidence that God will find him blameless (Job 31:6). He
gives a very good list of the way he has lived his life, including that he has not kept his bread
to himself (v.17). I didn’t feel at all generous when I returned home to find that Nicky had
given all the chocolate brownies I had made to a group of visitors. I have a long way to go
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7 Reasons God Wants You Victorious
WRITTEN BY HAROLD HERRING. .
Have you watched a television series where the star of the show is seemingly always in eminent
peril?
No matter how real the scene feel. . .you can know for sure. . .that the creator and writers of
the television show will never kill the hero or the star. . .who plays the hero.
Just like the movies. . .you’re a star that will never defeated by the enemy. In fact, not only will
you not lose. . .you win every single time.
Here are three scriptures which should strengthen and energize your faith against every attack
of the enemy.
First, 2 Corinthians 4:8 in the Amplified Bible says:
“We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not
cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out,
but not driven to despair.”
The attack on you, your family, health or finances. . .may be intense. . .but you will never be
defeated. So why be afraid?
Hebrews 13:6 in the Amplified Bible says:
“So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my
Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man
do to me?”
Have you ever heard the song “Unbreakable” by Fireflight? Probably not, because it’s a
Christian rock band. . .however, the song contains some amazing faith-filled lyrics.
“Where are the people that accused me? The ones who beat me down and bruised me They
hide just out of sight, can’t face me in the light They’ll return but I’ll be stronger
“God I want to dream again, take me where I’ve never been I wanna go there, this time I’m not
scared Now I am unbreakable, it’s unmistakable No one can touch me, nothing can stop me.”
Nobody can touch. . .nobody can stop you. . .nobody can defeat you. . .nobody can do anything
to you. . .because He’s got our back.
Isaiah 54:17 says:
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against
thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their
righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
You already know the outcome. . .it’s your inheritance.

Here are the seven reasons why God wants you to be victorious.
1. Your Father wants you to be victorious.
No loving Father ever wants His children to lose
God wants us to win…..EVERY TIME
2 Corinthians 2:14 says:
“Now thanks be unto God, which ALWAYS CAUSETH US TO TRIUMPH in Christ….”
The enemy only has the ability to deceive, accuse and tempt . . .that’s it. Jesus took away the
power of death, hell and the grave when He made an open show of the devil.
The Bible plainly states that Jesus disarmed Satan and all his demon hoards.
Colossians 2:15 in the Amplified Bible says:
“(God) disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold
display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it (the cross).”
Remember the Word of God says we are always supposed to triumph, not just 51 percent of
the time, not even 85 percent of the time, but always.
How much easier this sounds when we realize Satan has no weapon that will work against us.

2. Your Heavenly Father paid a heavy price to make you victorious.

Would you be willing to send your son or daughter to die for someone you didn’t know?
Many parents have faced that question as they’ve seen their sons and daughters ship out to war
zones where they stand in harm’s way in defense of our freedom not knowing if or when they
will return.
God sent His only begotten Son. . .with the knowledge that His Son would have to die for our
sins.
When Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph. . .God knew that His Son would die a horrible death.
When Jesus amazed the scholars in the Temple. . .God knew His Son would be wrongly
accused, persecuted, lied about and killed.
When Jesus rode victoriously into Jerusalem to the cheers of the people. . .God knew it
wouldn’t be long before His Son would suffer and die.
Yet. . .know all these things. . .He sent His Son. . .so we would be victorious over sin, death
and the grave.
1 John 4:10 in the New Living Translation says:
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice
to take away our sins.”
Can you even begin to imagine how much God loves us? His willingness to send His only
begotten Son for the forgiveness of our sins proves it.
Hebrews 9:15 in the Amplified Bible says:
“[Christ, the Messiah] is therefore the Negotiator and Mediator of an [entirely] new agreement
(testament, covenant), so that those who are called and offered it may receive the fulfillment
of the promised everlasting inheritance--since a death has taken place which rescues and
delivers and redeems them from the transgressions committed under the [old] first agreement.”
3. You have a tactical advantage in any battle.
One of the most successful military strategies an enemy can employ in warfare is to separate
you from your supply lines. . .to keep you from receiving reinforcements or supplies.
That’s exactly what the devil wants to do when he has you, your family, your finances and/or
your health under attack. . .he wants to separate you from your supply line (God). . .to keep
you from receiving reinforcements and orders from your spiritual headquarters (the Word).
The only way the enemy can spiritually terrorize you. . .is by doubt, separation and isolation.
When you find yourself under attack whether it’s a natural enemy or spiritual enemy indecision
can be costly. Even though you may not know the best strategy to employ at any given moment.
. .God does.
Your tactical advantage is your personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and your reliance on
the Word of God.
Hebrews 13:6 in the Amplified Bible says:
“So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my
Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man
do to me?”
Your focus on and faith in His Word. . .gives you a peace pass understanding during every
attack. You know the Calvary (Holy Spirit) is on the way.
Psalm 121:1-2 says:
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from
the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”
Always remember, the battle is not yours. . .but the Lord’s.
Joshua 10:8 in the New Living Translation says:
“Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them.
Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.”
You will never have to face any battle alone.
Mark 9:27 in the New Century Version says:
“Jesus took his hand and helped him to stand up.”
Hebrews 13:5 in the Amplified Bible says:
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice,
lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and
with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give
you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not,[I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave
you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”
4. God will provide you with a safe house.
Psalm 61:3 says:
“For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”
When I want to mentally decompress. . .I enjoy watching movies where the good guy (God)
wins and the bad guy (satan) loses.
When someone needs to escape from or testifies against the bad guys. . .they’re often placed in
a safe house. The purpose of the safe house is to protect the good guys from the bad guys.
Isn’t it nice to know that your Heavenly Father. . .the Great I Am. . .wants to place you in His
safe house. . .away from the attacks of the enemy and the hordes of hell.
There’s one main difference between God’s safe house and the ones you find in the movies.
In the make believe world. . .you never want the enemy to know where you are. . .because they
will find a way to attack your location and kill you.
When you’re in God’s safe house. . .the enemy knows where you are. . .and he can’t do a thing
about it. . .no matter how much he tries or even how he lies. You’re fully protected. Now that’s
something to shout about.
One more scripture.
Proverbs 18:19 in the Amplified Bible says:
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right
standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.”
5. You’ve already won the battle. . .it’s in the script.
1 John 4:4 in the Amplified Bible says:
“Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome
them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he
who is in the world.”
In the Book of Revelation… the one book that tells the end of the story… the Apostle John was
given what I call ‘inside information’ on what would take place. He also writes for us … the
key to overcoming the enemy in every way he comes against us.
Revelation 12:11 in the Amplified Bible says:
“And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb (we were first
born-again) and by the utterance of their testimony, (we ONLY confess what God says… not
what the devil wants us to say) for they did not love and cling to life (we have given up life as
the world lives it to live as the Lord instructs us to live in Him) even when faced with death
[holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].”
We have the confidence in knowing our lives will one day take on total victory …
6. You have been given authority over every trick of the enemy.
Romans 8:37 which says:
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
I decided to look up conqueror in the Strong’s Concordance. It’s the Greek word hypernikaō
(G5245) and it means:
“to be more than a conqueror, to gain a surpassing victory.”
I noticed that conqueror comes from the root word nikaō (G3528) which is translated 24 out of
28 times as
overcome. So it became obvious to me that in order to become a Kingdom Conqueror you must
first be a World Overcomer.
What does the Word have to say about being an Overcomer? Let’s begin with an example from
the story of David and Goliath. It’s found in 1 Samuel 17:9 in Today’s New International
Version which says:
“If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill
him, you will become our subjects and serve us."
These are bold words David is speaking. The scriptures don’t record whether King Saul knew
David was going to make such a bold statement but I think we can rest assured that David
already knew the end from the beginning.
He was not fighting this battle in his own strength… he knew in his heart that God would give
him the victory. As you fight the good fight. . .you’ve got to know that God will give you the
victory.
Not only that. . . God expects you to win every time . . .because He’s give you total power and
mastery over the devil
Luke 10:19 says:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of
the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
The first word in this verse that is translated power is the Greek word exousia. It means
“delegated power” or better said “authority.”
The second word translated power is the Greek word
dunamis. It means “ability.” So notice carefully what God is actually saying. “I give you
authority over all the ability of the devil.”
Are you getting a hold of all of this? You have total authority over all the ability of the enemy.
Remember, “…nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
The Bible literally says nothing shall hurt you. It also says you have total power (authority)
over the devil. You never have to lose again. You can always conquer and always triumph in
all things.
7. Always remember why He wants you victorious.
Why does God want you to be victorious? It’s simple. . .He wants you to be busy about His
business.
God doesn’t make you victorious and prosperous just for the purpose of raising your standard
of living. He prospers you so that you can raise your standard of giving. Thus creating more
victories than you can possibly even imagine.
Genesis 12:2 says:
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and
thou shalt be a blessing.”
The call of God upon Abraham can be the model for God’s call to us.
Just as God promised to bless Abraham, He will also bless us. Why does God desire to bless
His people? So that we might become a blessing to others.
2 Corinthians 9:8 in the Amplified Bible says:
“And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in
abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-
sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every
good work and charitable donation].”
No doubt, God wants us experiencing victory. . .so we can fund every good work and charitable
donation.
Hallelujah!!!
Ephesians 3:20 in the Amplified Bible contains more revelation about the seventh reason God
wants you to be victorious. The verse says:
“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us,
is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare]
ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].”
You are a winner in the game of life. . .He is giving you victory over the current situation.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Victory is a gift. It’s in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15:57, NKJV. “But thanks be to God, who
gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Remember, manmade methods are nothing if you have God on your side to fight your battles.
It’s in the Bible, 2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV. “With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the
LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…”
David didn’t need weapons to take down Goliath – the battle belonged to the Lord. It’s in the
Bible, 1 Samuel 17:47, NKJV. “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not
save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
We are conquerors in Christ. It’s in the Bible, Romans 8:37, NKJV. “Yet in all these things we
are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
It’s in the Bible, Romans 8:31, KJV. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us?”
We can have victory, because Jesus in us is greater than that which is in the world. It’s in the
Bible, 1 John 4:4, NKJV. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
It’s not our might or power, but the Spirit that will accomplish God’s will. It’s in the Bible,
Zechariah 4:6 “…‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
Christ has overcome the world and we can overcome the world through Christ. It’s in the Bible,
John 16:33, NKJV. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Victory is not a matter of education, progress, or feeling – it is a matter of faith. It’s in the
Bible, 1 John 5:4-5, NKJV. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the
victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he
who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Victory is promised by the blood of Christ. It’s in the Bible, Revelation 12:11, NKJV. “And
they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did
not love their lives to the death.”
Jesus came to earth to experience with us all our weaknesses. We can go to Him for mercy and
grace when we need it. It’s in the Bible, Hebrews 4:14-16, NKJV. “Seeing then that we have a
great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast
our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the
throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

In our weaknesses, God gives us His strength. It’s in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. And He
said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest
upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Pray in all situations. It’s in the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV. “Be anxious for nothing, but
in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known
to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.”
God causes us to triumph, and through our triumphs we testify of Christ. It’s in the Bible, 2
Corinthians 2:14, KJV. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in
Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”
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The saddest experience in the life of a Christian is to be under the power of sin. Sin in the life
of a Christian has three terrible results:
It dishonours the name of the Lord Jesus. If you are a Christian, you represent the Lord Jesus.
When you yield to sin, you bring dishonour to His name.
It robs you of your joy and power. As long as you are yielding to sin, God will not use you.
It destroys your Christian testimony. Other people judge your Christian witness, not so much
by what you say, but by the way you live day by day.
Right now, by your life, you are saying one of two things to other people. You are saying, "The
Christian life works!" or you are saying, "The Christian life doesn't work."
The way you live as a Christian affects not only your life, but the lives of other people as well.
Do you see why it is so important for you to be a victorious Christian?

What is the Victorious Life?

When we speak of "the victorious life" we are not speaking of a life without temptation or a
life of sinless perfection. It is not possible for a person to have such a transaction with the Lord
as to enable him to say, "I am without sin," or "I can never sin again." The Bible says,
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8
What, then, is the victorious life? The victorious life is a life of peace and joy in the Lord. It is
a life of constant fellowship with the Lord. It is a life of victory over sins—even the so called
"little sins," such as temper, fault-finding, irritability, complaining, lack of love, envy, jealousy,
unkind words, wrong thoughts, worry, anxiety.
The victorious life is a life that glorifies the Lord Jesus—the only kind of life that glorifies
Him.
Who can have this kind of life? Any believer! It is for you! The victorious life is not for just a
few, special Christians. It is presented in the New Testament as the normal Christian life. God
has made provision for every Christian to live this kind of life. Let's see what the Bible says
about it.
Victory is A Gift
The first thing we want to see about the life of victory is that it is a gift. Just as eternal life is a
gift, so the victorious life is also a gift. It cannot be earned; it is the gift of God. The Bible says,
"Thanks be to God who GIVES us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians
15:57
Victory is by God's Grace
The next thing we need to see about the life of victory is that it is by God's grace.
What is grace? Grace is something God does for us. Grace has often been defined as "God's
unmerited favour" but grace is much more than this. Grace is God's mighty, omnipotent power
working for us, doing things for us that we could never do for ourselves. From beginning to
end, our salvation is all of God's grace.
But don't we have a part in salvation? Yes, we do. What is our part? Our part is to receive what
God's grace provides for us. Now, let's consider our salvation and see the part God's grace has
in it.
First , let us think about the time God saved us. Each one of us can look back to a time when
we were separated from God and "dead in trespasses and sins." But God loved us and saved us
by His grace. The Bible says,
"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins…" Ephesians 2:1
When we were "dead in trespasses and sins" could we make ourselves alive spiritually? No,
we could not. It was God's power working in us that made us alive spiritually. It was all of
God's grace. The Bible says,
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of
God…" Ephesians 2:8
Now, let us think about the future. We know that one day the Lord Jesus is coming for His
believers. All believers, both those who have died and those who are living when He comes,
will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Our bodies will be changed instantly, and we shall
be made like Him. The Bible says,
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall
rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…" 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
What about this? Will we be caught up to meet the Lord by our own power? No, not at all. It
will be by God's mighty power. It will be by His grace.
What about now? Are we just to struggle along in our own strength, doing the best we can, but
failing miserably? No! God has made it possible for us to be victorious now.
What is God's provision for us now? His provision is His grace—His mighty power working
in us. No matter what our situation may be, God says to us, "My grace is sufficient for you."
God's grace for us now is simply Christ living in us. When God says, "My grace is sufficient
for you" He is saying, "My Christ is sufficient for you. Trust Him. He can give you victory in
every situation."
What do we do? We rest in Christ. We trust Him to keep us and to give us victory. This is
receiving God's grace. When we do this, we "reign" in life. The Bible says,
"…those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life
through the One, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17b
Victory is in Jesus Christ
Many Christians are seeking victory through some teaching or some unusual experience, but
victory is not in a teaching or in an experience. Victory is in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible
says,
"But thanks be to God who gives us the victory
THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
Christ Makes Two Offers
Jesus Christ makes two offers to every person. He offers them eternal life, and He offers them
victory over sin. He makes both of these offers on exactly the same basis—that we let Him do
it all.
Just as there is a right way and a wrong way to seek salvation, so there is a right way and a
wrong way to seek victory. The wrong way is to try to do it yourself. The right way is to let the
Lord do it for you. The Lord Jesus said,
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
If you were working at a job, and the Lord Jesus came to you and said, "I will give you rest,"
what would you expect Him to do? You would expect Him to take over your job and do it
while you rested. This is exactly what He wants to do for you.
Perhaps you have been trying to live the victorious life, but failing. The Lord Jesus says to you,
"Let Me take over. I will live the victorious life in and through you."
How Do We Enter the Life of Victory?
The conditions for entering the life of victory are just two:
1. Commit yourself to Christ.
2. Take Christ as your Victory.
Let us consider these two conditions.
First , you must commit yourself —all you are and all you have—to the Lord Jesus. If you keep
control of your life, then you are responsible for keeping yourself. If you commit yourself to
the Lord Jesus, then it becomes His responsibility to keep you. The Apostle Paul said,
"…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have
committed to Him…" 2 Timothy 1:12
The Lord Jesus was able to keep Paul and to give him victory, but the Apostle Paul had done
something that enabled the Lord to do this. What was it? Paul had committed himself
completely to the Lord Jesus. If you want the Lord to keep you and to give you victory, you
must commit yourself to Him.
Is there anything in your life this moment that you have been holding back from the Lord? If
so, will you give it to Him right now? Turn over the past to Him with all its sins and failures.
Commit the future to Him with all its unknowns. Commit your loved ones to Him—that young
man or young woman you love. Tell God that if they are not His plan for you, you are willing
for them to pass out of your life. Tell Him, right now, that you turn over to Him all that you are
and all that you have, for time and for eternity. When you do this, you will have taken the first
step toward victory. Will you do it right now?
Next, you must take Christ as your Victory. Taking Christ as your Victory is very much like
taking Him as your Saviour.
What did you do when you took Christ as your Saviour? You came to Him as a helpless sinner,
and you trusted Him to save you.
What do you do when you take Christ as your Victory? You come to Him as a helpless, defeated
Christian, and you trust Him to give you victory. Will you take Him as your Victory right now?
Just say to Him, "Lord Jesus, I have tried and tried to live the Christian life, but I have failed.
Right now, I take You as my Victory. I am trusting You to give me victory."
Taking God at His Word
When you took Christ as your Saviour, how did you know that God had saved you? By His
Word! You took God at His Word, and you thanked Him for saving you.
When you take Christ as your Victory, how do you know that God has given you victory? By
His Word! What does God say? He says, "My grace—My Christ—is sufficient for you."
Will you take God at His Word and thank Him, on the basis of His Word, that His grace is
sufficient for you? Thank Him that Christ is actually living in your heart, and that at this very
moment, He is meeting all your needs.
When you surrender to Christ and take Him as your Victory, you have entered the life of
victory. You can say, "I know my Lord Jesus is meeting all my needs, right now, because His
grace is sufficient for me."
How Do You Continue in Victory?
You enter into victory by yielding to Christ and trusting Him as your Victory. You continue in
victory by continuing to yield to Christ and continuing to trust Him as your Victory.
Victory is not a once-for-all matter. It is taking Christ as your Victory moment-by-moment.
Your attitude becomes one of depending on Him moment-by-moment.
Remember, victory is by God's grace. It is not gritting your teeth and struggling to keep yourself
under control. It is a miracle of God's grace. It is not TRYING but TRUSTING . Trying is what
we do; trusting is letting the Lord do it for us.
Will You Ever Fail Again?
Yes , there will be failures as you learn to walk in victory. As we have already said, the
victorious life is not a life without sin.
What will happen when you fail? Will you be discouraged and say, "It just doesn't work. I
cannot be a victorious Christian. It is all right for others but not for me" ? This is just what the
devil wants you to say. Don't do it!
Did you ever see a baby learning to walk? What happens? He takes a few steps, and then he
falls down. Then what? Does he lie on the floor and say, "It's no use. I just can't walk. I'll never
learn to walk." ? No, he doesn't do this. What does he do? He has a good cry. Then he gets up
and starts to walk again. He has other tumbles, but he keeps at it until he learns to walk.
This is the way it is in the Christian life. While you are learning to walk in victory, you will
have many falls. What should you do when you fall? Get up! Confess your sin to the Lord. Tell
Him that you did not mean to fall. Tell Him that you want to live the life of victory. Then start
again. Walk once more, trusting Christ as your Victory. As time goes on, you will find that you
are not falling so often.
Don't Accept Defeat
When you fail, you should never remain in defeat. You can be instantly restored to your place
of victory. How? By confessing your sin to God and, once again, claiming Christ as your
Victory. Remember, Christ has not failed. He is still the victorious One, and He lives in you.
You Can Have Victory!
Don't read this lesson one time, fill out the answer sheet, and think that you know this truth.
Study this lesson over and over until its truths become real in your life.
Anything that Jesus Christ has ever done for any of His disciples, He will do for YOU!
You can be a victorious Christian! Don't say that this life is for others, but not for you. God
means for you to live victoriously. You must believe that the life of victory is meant for you,
right now, in your circumstances.
* Choose the life of victory. The life of a defeated Christian is hard. The only happy life, the
only life that honours the Lord Jesus, is the victorious life.
* Take the steps of victory. Commit yourself to Christ. Take Him as your Victory.
* Trust Christ moment-by-moment. In every situation, depend on Him. Say, "I know my Lord
Jesus is meeting all my needs, right now, because His grace is sufficient for me."
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Romans 8:37 tells us that "in all things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved
us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present
nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be
able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus our Lord." John Gill's Exposition of
the Bible tells us that not only do we have victory over sin and Satan, but over the world,
afflictions, and persecutions in it. But not only overcome, but better off and stronger for it!
Want to live in victory? Then it’s time to start thinking about what you’re thinking about! Your
mind is one of the most powerful and creative tools that God has given you to shape your
reality, influence your life and make you more than a conqueror.
Increased and improved health, happiness, plenty, provision, favor and victory are only a
thought away. Literally!
And no, this is not some new age philosophy trying to creep into the Church. It is right there
in Scripture. Yet most believers simply allow their thoughts to happen, rarely paying attention
to what they are thinking about, let alone taking authority over their thought lives and bringing
them into alignment with truth as 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to do.

Here are five ways you can begin to tap into the supernatural power of your mind to live in the
abundance of life that Christ the Conqueror has made available to you (see John 10:10 ):
1. Watch Your Focus
As my dear friend and mentor Patricia King always says, “Whatever we focus on, we
empower.” If we focus on negative things, we empower negativity in our lives.
If we focus on selfish and carnal things, we empower our fallen nature. If we murmur, complain
and focus on how unfair everything seems to be in a difficult situation, we are not helping
resolve the issue. Instead, we’re actually empowering more frustration, anger, bitterness,
disappointment and injustice in our lives.
If we choose to focus on the positive of Kingdom truth, however, then we empower the love,
light and life of Jesus to fill us and flow through us. The apostle Paul put it this way when
mentoring believers in Philippi:
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report…think on these things (Philippians 4:8 KJV).
What’s incredible is that Paul wrote this from prison. He was locked up in awful conditions,
not sure if he would live or die. Yet he wrote again and again about things like joy, rejoicing,
eager expectation, the privilege of walking with Christ, hope, confidence and peace.
Near the end of his letter, he shared how this is all possible—by choosing what we focus on.
By deciding what we think about. By filling our mind with thoughts that are
“true…honest…pure…lovely…good.”
Photo Credit: ©Thinkstock/DragonImages

2. Let Heaven Fill Your Thoughts

Let’s look at another passage from one of Paul’s letters written while he was a prisoner in that
Roman jail. In his epistle to the Colossians, Paul again talks about the importance of what we
allow our mind be filled with:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven,
where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven,
not the things of earth (Colossians 3:1–2 NLT).
It all begins with focusing on and agreeing with the truth that we have been raised up by Christ
into a new life. We are new creations in Christ, and the old things have passed away, including
the old ways of thinking (see
2 Corinthians 5:17 ).
We are not to dwell on the things of this fallen world anymore. We are not to allow our mind
to be mired in fear, doubt, frustration, anger, lack, depression, self-pity, anxiety, worry or
anything else that does not line up with the truth that Jesus has fully restored us to relationship
with our heavenly Father and His Kingdom (see
2 Corinthians 5:18 ).
The more we allow our minds and our thoughts to be filled with these truths, the more we will
see them made manifest in our lives.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Nghia Le

3. Think Like a Victor, Not a Victim

In the midst of challenges, stop allowing your mind to be sidetracked with victim thoughts like,
I’m under attack! Instead, try thinking victorious thoughts like, God, thank You that in every
battle there is an opportunity to take territory!
My 1996 New Living Translation of the Bible says in
1 Peter 5:8 that the devil is “looking for some victim to devour.” This is my favorite translation
of this Scripture, because it makes it clear that it is victims the enemy devours.
It is not that if the enemy attacks us, then we are victims. It is that he is seeking people who
will take on the role of a victim when he attacks, so that he can then devour them.
The devil’s only chance to devour believers is if we stop believing—laying down the truth that
we have the victory in Christ, and taking up the lie that we are victims because the devil has
attacked us.
If we think of ourselves as victims, we become victims and give the devil opportunity to devour
us. Not because he is so mighty, but because we have chosen to lay down our power by
exchanging our overcomer’s identity in Christ for a victim identity in our current
circumstances.
Instead, if we choose to fill our minds with the truth that we are victorious in Christ, who has
done all and won all, we will see that victory made manifest.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Japheth Mast

4. Make up Your Mind

Daniel is one of the great champions of the Old Testament. He was besieged, captured,
trafficked, persecuted, attacked, thrown to the lions, mocked and more. Yet despite being
victimized in a variety of ways, Daniel refused to be a victim. We see one of the keys to this in
Daniel 1:8 (NASB): “Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself.”
It is right there: Daniel made up his mind.
He made up his mind not to be defiled by the situation that had been forced on him. He made
up his mind not to partake of the things of that place and those people, because he knew they
were not good for him.
He made up his mind not to be a prisoner of bitterness and offense.
He made up his mind to have power over himself, even if he did not always have power over
his circumstances.
He made up his mind to have faith in God, no matter what.
The way Daniel chose to think about the situations he found himself in made all the difference
in his life. Instead of being a victim, he was a victor. Instead of suffering all his days, he actually
prospered and succeeded.
He faced many challenges and difficulties, but by always trusting in the goodness of God and
the truth of His Word, Daniel saw the blessing, provision and protection of the Lord all of his
days.
Daniel did not let his circumstances influence how he thought about God; he let how he thought
about God influence his circumstances. Daniel made up his mind, and we need to as well.
Photo Credit: ©Thinkstock/Szepy

5. Allow the Holy Spirit to “Renovate” Your Mind

I hope you are catching the revelation of the power of your mind. You might also be realizing
all the times you have let your mind be filled with wrong thoughts, negative thoughts, and self-
defeating thoughts.
Or maybe it is dawning on you that when you have gone through challenging times, your
response has too often been to murmur and complain, as opposed to finding something eternally
true to focus on.
Here is the good news: That can all change today. It can change right now.
Lamentations 3:22–23 promises that the Lord’s mercies are there for you each and every day.
He does not hold one wrong thought against you. He is thrilled that you are coming to
understand the power of your mind. And He is right there with you, to help you start afresh.
If God is helping you see a pattern of wrong thoughts in your past, it is not because He is mad
at you or disappointed in you. No. It is because He loves you and wants to help you inhabit
more
completely the fullness of what He has given you. He wants to empower you to walk in a
greater measure of the dominion authority that you have in Him.
Or to put it really simply, He wants you to realize that when you change your mind, you change
your reality. The apostle Paul said it is so well in Romans 12:2 (NASB): “And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
In the Greek, that word renewing can also be translated as “renovation.” What Paul is letting
us know is that a key to being more than conquerors, and living in the fullness of Christ, is for
us not to think like the world thinks. Instead, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to help us overhaul
our minds so we think about things from a Kingdom perspective.
If you catch yourself having a negative perspective on things, remember that you are
undergoing a “mental renovation.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you catch yourself in wrong
thoughts so you can take them captive, cast them down and replace them with victorious
Kingdom thoughts.
You are so much more powerful than you realize! If you would like to find out more about how
to harness the supernatural power of your mind to live in the “more!” of God that Christ has
given you, order a copy of Robert’s book Winning the Battle for Your Mind, Will and Emotions
today!
Robert Hotchkin is the founder of
Men on the Frontlines , and one of the core leaders of Patricia King Ministries. He hosts the
weekly Heroes Arise broadcast, co-hosts the show Propel with Patricia King, and is a regular
guest and host of the shows Everlasting Love and Supernatural Life on GodTV . Robert
fervently believes every Christian is a miracle-working explosion of the Kingdom waiting to
happen. His preaching, teaching, and ministry inspire believers to grab hold of their restored
relationship with the Father through the finished work of the cross and walk in the fullness of
their authority as dominion agents of impact in the earth.
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Victory Over Temptation
QUESTION: What are some practical ways I can have victory over temptation?
ANSWER:
How can I have victory over temptation? This is surely one of the hardest challenges a Christian
faces. We soon realize that we are going to be tested and tempted as we live the Christian life.
The Bible says that we already have victory in Christ Jesus!
One of the most practical ways to have victory over temptation is to learn and memorize Bible
verses and concepts that can help us in times of temptation. Here are several:
Jesus gives us victory! 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 8:2 reminds us: "…Through Christ Jesus the law of
the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Therefore to overcome sin and the
temptation to sin, we must trust in Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross and have faith
in God that He will let us share in the victory.
Have faith! 1 John 5:4 says, "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory
that has overcome the world, even our faith." We need to daily open our hearts to God in prayer
and seek to draw nearer to Him and ask Him to cloth us with the righteousness that is being in
Christ Jesus.
Utilize the armor of God. Paul describes it in Ephesians 6:10-18: "Finally, be strong in the Lord
and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against
the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of
evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of
evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of
righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel
of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all
the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
Understand God's forgiveness when we fall. We all stumble, but we must be confident that
God is sovereign and merciful and will forgive us if we come to Him in repentance and
humility. 1 John 2:1-2 reminds us: "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not
sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus
Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but
also for the sins of the whole world."
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What is the key to living a victorious Christian life?
Question: "What is the key to living a victorious Christian life?"
Answer: The victorious Christian life is the life that is lived, by faith, in a moment-by-moment
surrender to God. The victorious Christian life is rooted and grounded in faith . The whole of
Hebrews 11 tells the stories of men and women who, by faith, were victorious in some way.
Our God is always victorious, no matter the foe. Even the cross of Christ was not a defeat for
the Lord, but a victory: “Now the prince of this world will be driven out,” Jesus said in the final
week of His earthly ministry. At His trial before the high priest, Jesus testified, “You will see
the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven”
(Mark 14:62 ). That’s the victory believers share in.
The victorious Christian life is a life lived in triumph over “everything in the world—the lust
of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16 ). It is the conquering of
fear, knowing God’s peace (John 14:27 ; 16:33 ). It is perseverance through “trouble or
hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword” (Romans 8:35 ), showing
us to be “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (verse 37). The victorious Christian
life naturally leads to a defeat of death itself (1 Corinthians 15:54–55) and a glorious reward in
heaven ( Revelation 21:7 ).
“The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17 ), and it’s impossible to overemphasize the
importance of faith in living the victorious Christian life: “Everyone born of God overcomes
the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that
overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4–5
).
Part of living the victorious Christian life is properly dealing with temptation. First Corinthians
10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God
is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,
he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” In the context of this verse, Paul is
speaking to a church surrounded by idolatry and temptation. There were social, financial, and
political pressures to return to their old ways and participate in pagan practices. God in His
faithfulness told them, and us, that there is no temptation anywhere at any time that will take
Him by surprise, and He will always make a way to escape it and thus endure. When a Christian
faces a temptation, God will always give a clear way of avoiding the sin, but it is still the choice
of the individual to take the way out or not. Avoiding temptation requires moment-by-moment
submission to God.
In John 15 , Jesus tells a parable that gives a key to the victorious Christian life. Jesus Christ is
the vine, the source of life and health and wholeness, and we are the branches, utterly dependent
on the vine. The word used over and over throughout the passage is most often translated as
“abide” or “remain.” The original Greek word really means “stay where you are.” Where is the
Christian? The Christian is in Christ (Ephesians 2:13 ).
The victorious Christian life is a journey of faith, not just for eternal salvation, but of daily
decisions building up into lifestyle that reflects Christ (Galatians 2:20 ). Faith is the calm
assurance that what we do not yet see is far more real, more substantial, more trustworthy than
what we do see (Hebrews 11:1 ). The life of faith chooses to believe God in all things (Romans
4:3 ). “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is,
seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are
on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is
your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1–4, ESV).
The victorious Christian life is lived with eyes set on the things of heaven, not of this world.
Jesus is our model in this: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition
from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2–3 ). The eternal
life of the believer is set securely in Christ. We, too, are at God’s right hand, by faith. The
victorious Christian is one who lives in that reality.
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What does the Bible say about being an overcomer?
Question: "What does the Bible say about being an overcomer?"
Answer: The Bible has a lot to say about being an overcomer. The term overcomer is especially
prominent in the book of Revelation, where Jesus encourages His people to remain steadfast
through trials (Revelation 2:26 ; 3:21 ; 21:7 ). First John 5:4–5 says, “For whatever is born of
God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who
is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of the
world’s system. An overcomer is not sinless, but holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He
does not turn away when times get difficult or become an apostate. Overcoming requires
complete dependence upon God for direction, purpose, fulfillment, and strength to follow His
plan for our lives (Proverbs 3:5–6 ; 2 Corinthians 12:9 ).
The Greek word most often translated “overcomer” stems from the word nike which, according
to Strong’s Concordance, means “to carry off the victory. The verb implies a battle.” The Bible
teaches Christians to recognize that the world is a battleground, not a playground. God does
not leave us defenseless.
Ephesians 6:11–17 describes the armor of the Lord available to all believers. Scattered
throughout this narrative is the admonition to “stand firm.” Sometimes all it takes to overcome
temptation is to stand firm and refuse be dragged into it. James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and
he will flee from you.” An overcomer is one who resists sin no matter what lures Satan uses.
The apostle Paul wrote eloquently of overcoming in
Romans 8:35–39 . He summarizes the power believers have through the Holy Spirit to
overcome any attacks of the enemy. Verse 37 says, “In all these things we are more than
conquerors through him who loved us.”
Overcoming is often equated with enduring. Jesus encouraged those who followed Him to
“endure to the end” ( Matthew 24:13 ). A true disciple of Christ is one who endures through
trials by the power of the Holy Spirit. An overcomer clings to Christ, no matter how high the
cost of discipleship. Hebrews 3:14 says, “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold
our original conviction firmly to the very end.”
In the book of Revelation, Jesus promised great reward to those who overcome. Overcomers
are promised that they will eat from the Tree of Life (2:7), be unharmed by the second death
(2:11), eat from hidden manna and be given a new name (2:17), have authority over the nations
(2:26), be clothed in white garments (3:5), be made a permanent pillar in the house of God
(3:12), and sit with Jesus on His throne (3:21). Jesus warned that holding fast to Him would
not be easy, but it would be well worth it. In Mark 13:13 He says, “You will be hated by all for
my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (ESV). We have the
guarantee of Jesus that, if we are His, we will be able to endure to the end and His rewards will
make it all worthwhile.

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Deuteronomy 20:4 - For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you
against your enemies, to save you.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world
ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
James 1:12-14 - Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (Read More...)
Psalms 108:13 - Through God we shall do valiantly: for he [it is that] shall tread down our
enemies.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but
God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with
the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses,
and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is]
with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. (Read More...)
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that
the power of Christ may rest upon me. (Read More...)
1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:13 - Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Revelation 21:6-7 - And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Read
More...)
Proverbs 24:16 - For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall
fall into mischief.
John 14:26 - But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I
have said unto you.
Revelation 12:10 - And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and
strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our
brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
James 1:1-27 - James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which
are scattered abroad, greeting. (Read More...)